Gerard Alexander

Gerard Alexander, 70, of Onalaska, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, March 20, 2025, with his girls by his side.

He was born on March 3, 1955 in La Crosse, WI to Howard Sr. and Dorothy (Spah) Alexander. Gerard was the youngest of seven siblings: Kenneth, Howard Jr., Patricia, Carol, Gary, and Gail.

On September 29, 1976, he married Wanda Orton in Houston County, MN. They had 2 daughters, Miranda and Andrea, together before they later divorced in 1987.

He followed in the footsteps of his father and some of his siblings by being self-employed as a metal scrapper. His line of work helped protect the environment by keeping recyclable materials, especially metals, out of the landfills and other unsuitable places. He always had a magnet handy to test metals that he happened to come across.

Gerard enjoyed building and fixing motorcycles. He passed along his passion and knowledge to anyone who showed an interest. He preferred the Triumph brand over all others. He is now riding free and easy with his biker buddies who died before him.

Gerard enjoyed the great outdoors. He loved camping, fishing, hunting, and cruising the river with his boat. Gerard could navigate the sloughs blindfolded. He loved sharing his passion for the great outdoors with his daughters and granddaughters.

If asked, many would say they remember Gerard for his signature hat, keys clipped at the neck of his t-shirt, and a pack of cigarettes in his t-shirt pocket. He was humble, a master of analogies, a story teller, a dreamer, had a dry sense of humor, and a never-ending supporter of his girls (daughters and granddaughters).

Gerard is survived by his two daughters, Miranda Alexander (Bill Kranski) of Holmen and Andrea Walker (Chad Anderson) of Bangor; two granddaughters, Annabelle Walker of Holmen and Aurora Kranski of Holmen; his ex-wife, Wanda Alexander of Holmen; his good friends, Ed Stanfield of La Crosse and Florin “Flo” of Onalaska; his two sisters, Carol (David) Parker of La Crosse and Gail (Robert) Burns of La Crosse; and a bonus grandson, Daniel Best-Kranski of La Crosse. As well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Gerard was preceded in death by his parents, Howard Sr. and Dorothy Alexander; his brothers and sister-in-laws, Kenneth (Sally), Howard Jr. (Barbara), and Gary; and one sister and brother-in-law, Patricia (Duaine) Oliver.

A Celebration of Gerard's Life will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 11 am to 4 pm at Goose Island Shelter 3. Food and beverages will also be provided. For those interested in fishing, please bring your fishing gear.

“May your final ride be easy, and the road stretch far and wide. May each bend feel like a gentle curve, ’til the horizon meets the sky. May the rush of the wind whisper in your ear, and the sun glint in your eye. May you ride along this road with grace, as the sun sets, and falls from the sky. May each mile be a memory for us to share and remain etched in our hearts. May that last destination soon seem near, as you journey through uncharted paths. So may your final ride be easy, and your spirit not be deterred. May your bike bring you safely home, as its roar gently ebbs to a purr.”~ Marc Lemezma